Tag Archives: SWITZERLAND

World

Russia is the main obstacle to peace in Belarus

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The leader of the Belarusian opposition, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, is ready to hold talks with the self-proclaimed President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, without any preconditions.

This is stated in a statement by her office.

In particular, it is claimed that Tikhanovskaya is ready to meet not even with Lukashenko himself, but with his representatives.

But due to the lack of trust between the parties, the oppositionists believe that the OSCE can act as a platform for preliminary consultations and contacts.

“This allows us to include Russia in the process. It is Russia’s position that is the main obstacle to resolving the crisis in Belarus, “ Tikhanovskaya said unexpectedly.

At the same time, the OSCE will not be able to act as a guarantor of the party’s fulfillment of their obligations. In addition to the Russian Federation, the United States, France, Germany, Switzerland, Finland, or Sweden may be involved in the negotiations for this purpose.

However, neither Poland nor Lithuania, with which the Lukashenko regime is in acute conflict, can mediate the reconciliation of Belarusians.

Recall that at home, several criminal cases were opened against Tikhanovskaya — including an attempt to seize power and prepare a terrorist attack.

In this regard, Belarus demanded to extradite the politician from Lithuania but was decisively refused.

Europe

Switzerland called the deadline for the abolition of all restrictions

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The Swiss authorities believe that the lifting of coronavirus restrictions is possible in the summer, and all measures will be canceled by August.

Reported by The Local.

This scenario is based on a vaccination strategy that the government says is achievable and controlled.

Health Minister Alain Berset said at a press conference that Switzerland will receive 8.1 million doses of already ordered vaccines from Pfizer / Biotech and Moderna between now and the end of July.

To date, almost half a million people in Switzerland have received both doses, and in the meantime, the doses that are already available will still be used. This would mean that 75% of the adult population will be immunized, Berset said.

All vulnerable people should be vaccinated by April 20, and most others will have a second vaccination by the end of June, authorities said.

“We have a good situation. Six months ago, no one could have thought that the vaccination campaign would be so advanced,” the minister said.

Virginie Massari, head of infection control at the Federal Office of Health, said that unless new viral mutations emerge during this time, “enough people will be vaccinated from August so restrictive measures will no longer be needed.”

Berset also said that measures to combat the coronavirus could be canceled in the summer. “Our goal is to move in the direction of normalcy,” he said.

Europe

Swiss authorities explain dozens of deaths after vaccination

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Nearly 40 people have died after receiving coronavirus vaccinations in Switzerland. This is stated in the government report on the pandemic and vaccination.

The document refers to 37 deaths that followed some time after people were injected with the drug. Doctors have carefully investigated each case and, as follows from the interim official conclusions, none of the deaths are associated with vaccinations.

The average age of those who died was 84, most of them suffering from serious illnesses before the procedure was performed, the report said.

The Swiss authorities emphasized that all deaths would have occurred regardless of whether the person was vaccinated or not. They were the result of diseases of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as well as complications from other infections.

No evidence has been found that the vaccination was the cause of death.

Earlier, it became known about the number of deaths in Europe after vaccination with a vaccine from AstraZeneca. The deceased was found to have thromboembolic complications. In several countries, vaccination with this drug is temporarily suspended.

After that, the pharmaceutical company re-examined the test data of the drug and lowered the indicator of its effectiveness.

Europe

The Swiss supported the ban on covering the face, this does not apply to masks

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Swiss residents voted in a referendum to ban the complete covering of the face, including the Islamic burqa and niqab, in public places.

This is reported by Swiss Info.

The ban was supported by 51.2% of voters, against 48.8% of Swiss citizens who came to the referendum. The turnout was 51.4%.

Switzerland has joined five other European countries, including neighbors France and Austria, that have already banned such clothing in public.

Exceptions to the law include covering the face for safety, climate, and health reasons-meaning that protective masks worn against Covid-19 are acceptable. Niqabs and burqas will still be allowed in places of worship.

Final results on Sunday showed that only six of the country’s 26 cantons rejected the initiative, which was initiated by the far-right “Jagerkinger Committee” — the same group that was behind the vote to ban the construction of minarets in 2009.

The ban will also affect football fans, as well as left-wing and right-wing radicals who like to hide their faces during demonstrations. The main argument of the supporters of the initiative on the ban on hiding face is that men and women should have equal rights, and the wearing of a veil or niqab restricts these rights.

Many also believe that banning the wearing of clothing items that hide the face will strengthen security, helping to counteract persons who violate public order. The argument of the fight against terrorism also plays a role.

Opponents say that the ban, in particular, the wearing of the niqab will deprive many Muslim women of the right and opportunity to leave the house and participate in public life.

Europe

Switzerland wants to ban clothing that covers the face

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In Switzerland, they want to ban wearing clothing that covers the face in public.

According to the BBC, a referendum has begun on the introduction of the ban.

After the initiative collected more than 100 thousand signatures, a nationwide vote became possible.

If the ban is approved, wearing clothes that cover the face will not be allowed at work, on public transport, in shops, restaurants, and even football fans in stadiums.

However, the country believes that the introduction of the ban will jeopardize freedom of religion in Switzerland, since there may be a ban on the niqab, burqa, “Palestinian headscarf” and other similar clothing.

According to the survey results, the opinions of the Swiss are divided: 49% of respondents intend to vote against the ban, 47% — for. Another 4% were undecided.

In June 2016, a referendum on “unconditional payments” was held in Switzerland. Then the majority of the county’s residents voted against a basic income of 2,500 francs per month, which was offered regardless of whether the Swiss worked.